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Italian premium EV startup AEHRA continues to garner a demand for attention with its latest model reveal – The Sedan. Bold choice to choose not to name your EV models, but AEHRA has some confidence going into today’s reveal, showcasing a new model designed by former leads at Lamborghini and Ferrari. After seeing a full glimpse of The Sedan, we are starting to take notice ourselves.

If you haven’t heard of AEHRA, we don’t blame you. The Italian EV startup emerged last summer with a vision of combining Italian design elegance and engineering with American customer service to deliver a new breed of ultra-premium EVs.

This vision parallels the background of cofounder and CEO, Hazim Nada, who was born in the US and raised in Italy. From the get go, AEHRA has expressed an initial focus on design shapes and architectures as Nada has previously said he believes most EVs today are still being engineered with legacy design in mind, and that automakers aren’t utilizing the full capabilities today’s electric powertrains enable.

Sure, specs like horsepower and range are still very important (more on that below), but AEHRA is hoping to redefine the definition of how EVs look and are experienced, beginning with two initial models. It’s first EV, The SUV, made its public debut this past December, but still left the startup flying a bit under the industry’s radar (EV startups showcasing concepts are a dime a dozen after all).

That being said, AEHRA is taking a fresh approach to both the way it designs and promotes its EVs – a lineup that is now joined by The Sedan. The company teased some images of its second model in late May, but the sharply designed GT saloon made its official debut in Italy today. Check it out.

AEHRA sedan makes official debut at Monza Motor Show

Today in front of a crowd at the Milano Monza Moving Motor Show in Italy, AEHRA pulled the sheet off its second EV model – The Sedan.

It has the fingerprints of AEHRA’s head of design Filippo Perini all over it. Before jumping ship to AEHRA, Perini was the lead designer at Lamborghini and oversaw the fruition of several legendary models, including the Murciélago LP 640, Aventador, Huracan, Centenario, and Urus. The design lead is also supported by chief engineering officer Franco Climatti, who brings 32 years of experience working at Ferrari.

With an arsenal of supercar designers at the helm, it’s easy to see how AEHRA was able to create such unique and streamlined looking EVs so quickly. As we’ve mentioned before, AEHRA likes to point out the “beautiful flowing lines and exceptionally strong organic, muscular proportions” of The Sedan and sums up its side profile perfectly as “almost liquid-like.” Perini was as bold as to describe AEHRA’s new electric saloon as “the antithesis of baroque design culture.”

If it ain’t baroque…

The Sedan will follow The SUV on the same mono-body platform and its expected to come equipped with three all-electric motors combining for 794 bhp. Like its SUV sibling, AEHRA’s sedan will feature a 120kWh battery built by Miba out of Austria, offering charge rates up to 350kW and bi-directional capabilities. AEHRA says it is targeting a range of 497 miles per charge on The Sedan.

As you’ll notice in the images above, The Sedan features quadruple falcon-wing doors, which may end up sticking as the signature look of all AEHRA EVs. That image in particular is our only glimpse at The Sedan’s interior so far, but we’d expect the second model to house similar components as the SUV, such as an infotainment screen the length of the entire dash that can extend into “home theatre mode” when parked.

While The Sedan remains a concept for now, AEHRA has assured the public that the production version will look virtually identical when it arrives in 2026 alongside The SUV. Per CEO Hazim Nada:

Engineered and manufactured using only the very best technology, materials and methodologies the global automotive industry has to offer, both the AEHRA SUV and AEHRA Sedan are driven by a purity of function and will usher in a new era of ultra-premium, exquisitely beautiful emission-free mobility.

As a startup, AEHRA has expressed it has “substantial funding in place” to get its first two EVs into scaled production and has already shared intentions to roll out in markets of North America, Europe, China, and the Gulf States in 2026. We’ll see…

Electrek’s Take

AEHRA has been on my radar for quite sometime now, but this is my first time writing about them because its the first time, in my opinion, they’re starting to show EV tech that could maybeone day… be real.

Their initial emails and press releases were promising these grandiose designs and performance, but with nothing to show but a silhouette. Forgive me for passing on that way back when, but you and I both know better than to waste your time chasing “what-ifs” in the EV startup world.

I’m admittedly impressed by The Sedan, although I think the name is pompous and will get confusing if AEHRA actually has a run in producing multiple EV models. Let’s get to production on these first two EVs, then talk.

The design expertise of the company’s hypercar veterans is apparent on this thing. It looks slightly bloated to me from the front and sort of gives me FF91 vibes, but I love that side profile and the rounded upper rear. I’m interested to hear its drag coefficient or whether the design team simply said, “screw it, just make it look cool.” I’d imagine its pretty aerodynamic, though, especially if AEHRA has any hope of even sniffing near the 497 mile range it’s targeting.

The startup appears to be taking a Fisker Inc. approach in which it takes its powertrain components á la carte and integrates them into a modular platform, leaving production to a contracted expert. That’s probably the wisest approach as AEHRA seems to be very design-centric, so let that team do what it does best and leave the actual scaling to the professionals.

I’m still pretty skeptical, just less skeptical. This will be a company to watch either way.

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Tesla launches new Model Y in North America and Europe

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Tesla launches new Model Y in North America and Europe

Tesla has officially launched the new Model Y in North America and Europe after launching it in China earlier this month.

The difference is that Tesla is now taking orders for both the older and newer versions of its best-selling electric SUV.

That’s a unique launch for Tesla. I don’t remember the automaker doing that before.

After launching the new Model Y design refresh in China two weeks ago, Tesla is now starting to take orders for the refresh in North America and Europe.

But it looks like the design refresh is still a transitional in Tesla’s production as the automaker is still taking orders for the previous version:

For the launch in North America and Europe, Tesla has only added a new “trim” on the Model Y online configurator for a ‘Launch Series New Model Y’, which is the version unveiled in China earlier this month.

But in China, only this new version has been available for sale since the last two weeks.

Tesla estimates that the new version will have 320 miles of EPA range. Compared to 311 miles for the previous Model Y Long Range AWD, the only version of the new Model Y Launch Series available.

Here are all the other changes with the new Model Y compared to the previous version:

Feature Model Y New Model Y
Starting Price After Est. Savings $31,490 Available Now $46,490 Available Starting March
Trims Long Range RWD Long Range AWD Performance AWD Launch Series Long Range AWD
Range 277-337 miles (EPA est.) 303-320 miles (est.)
Seating First row: power recline and heated Second row: manual fold and heated First row: power recline, heated and ventilated Second row: power two-way folding and heated
Displays 15.4″ front-row touchscreen 15.4″ front-row touchscreen 8″ second-row touchscreen
Ride Comfort First-generation suspension First-generation noise reduction hardware Second-generation suspension Second-generation noise reduction hardware
Cameras 7 exterior cameras 8 exterior cameras (includes a new front-facing camera)
Audio Long Range RWD: 7 speakers Long Range AWD: 13 speakers, 1 subwoofer Performance AWD: 13 speakers, 1 subwoofer Launch Series Long Range AWD: 15 speakers, 1 subwoofer
Connectivity First-generation hardware Second-generation hardware
Trunk Power open Hands-free power open on approach
Interior Footwell and door pocket ambient lighting Wooden detailing with black interior Footwell and door pocket ambient lighting Wrap-around ambient lighting Aluminum detailing and premium textiles
Climate Tinted and laminated safety glass Power-actuated first-row air vents Manual second-row air vents Tinted and laminated safety glass with metallic infrared reflective coating Power-actuated first- and second-row air vents

For the Launch Series, Tesla is pricing the new Model Y Long Range AWD at $59,999 USD. That’s $12,000 more than the previous Model Y Long Range AWD, which is still available to order.

Specifically for the Launch Series, buyers get a bunch of special badging around the car:

But they also get things called “Premium Textil Trim” and “Vegan Suede for Black Interior”:

Currently, Tesla is only offering the new Model Y in Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Ultra Red, and Quicksilver, but they are all included in the Launch Series price.

The Glacier Blue that is offered in China is currently not offered in North America or Europe.

Tesla is talking about the first deliveries of this new version of the Model Y coming in March in North America.

Electrek’s Take

This came sooner than expected, as most expected the launch to be closer to March based on how Tesla launched the Model 3 refresh last year.

But this is also different since Tesla continues to take orders for the previous version.

Tesla was likely worried about the Osborne effect and this strategy of starting with this more expensive version of the Model Y, the Launch Series, is going to help sales of the much cheaper previous version.

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Rivian (RIVN) plans to roll out hands-free driving this year, eyes-free system in 2026

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Rivian (RIVN) plans to roll out hands-free driving this year, eyes-free system in 2026

Rivian (RIVN) plans to launch a new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) this year to enable hands-free driving. The new feature is expected to be similar to Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD). In 2026, Rivian will up the ante with an “eyes-free” system.

Rivian plans hands-free driving in 2025, eyes-free in 2026

At the new Rivian Space opening in San Francisco on Thursday, CEO RJ Scaringe revealed a few exciting developments to look forward to.

According to the folks at RivianForums, Scaringe said during the event that the company plans to launch a hands-free ADAS feature in 2025. Next year, Rivian will follow it up with an “eyes-free” system.

The big question is, will current Rivian R1S and R1T owners gain access? It could depend on whether you drive a Gen 1 or Gen 2 model. All Rivian models built through 2024 are considered Gen 1, while models 2025 and newer are Gen 2.

Rivian introduced the second-generation R1S and R1T last summer. They were “completely reengineered” with hundreds of hardware improvements, fully redesigned software, and more.

The upgrades include its new in-house autonomy system, Rivian Autonomy Platform. It’s powered by 11 cameras, five radars, and predictive AI.

Rivian-hands-free-driving
Rivian R1T (left) and R1S (right) electric vehicles (Source: Rivian)

Rivian said the new platform is “10 times more powerful” than the old system. It also features 360-degree visibility with 8X the number of camera pixels than the previous models. Gen 2 models already include features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Highway Assist.

With the premium version, drivers gain access to Lane Change, while Rivian said Enhanced Highway Assist and other features were coming soon.

Rivian-hands-free-driving
Rivian R2 electric SUV (Source: Rivian)

Although all Rivian R1S and R1T EVs include OTA updates, some features may require additional hardware or software not included on Gen 1 models.

Rivian hands-free and attention-free autonomous highway driving will be available on the upcoming R2 model. The smaller electric SUV is due out in the first half of 2026, starting at around $45,000.

Electrek’s Take

As a Tesla Model 3 driver, I can tell you that Full-Self Driving (FSD) is fun and can be helpful at times. I’ve used it on longer trips, like through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it makes driving or sitting in the car a little more enjoyable.

Although the system still requires you to pay attention, it enables the vehicle to drive itself almost anywhere with “minimal driver intervention.”

The new Actually Smart Summon feature is one of my favorites. Through the Tesla app, you can summon your vehicle to come to you in a parking lot. The vehicle will then move around other cars, people, and objects to find you.

Other functions, like Navigate on Autopilot, will take over while the vehicle is on the highway, changing lanes (with turn signals) and braking or accelerating as needed.

For Rivian owners, it would be like an upgraded system from Highway and Lane Change Assist. The “eyes-free” system coming next year will likely have a few regulatory hurdles to pass before it rolls out, so it should be interesting to see what that will consist of. Check back for more info soon. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.

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The world’s largest solar + storage project will deliver power 24/7

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The world's largest solar + storage project will deliver power 24/7

The United Arab Emirates is building the world’s largest solar and battery storage project that will dispatch clean energy 24/7.

Emirati Renewable energy company Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) are developing the trailblazing solar and battery storage project. Once it’s online, will become the largest combined solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) in the world.

Located in Abu Dhabi, the project will feature a 5.2 GW solar PV plant coupled with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) BESS.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, minister of industry and advanced technology and chairman of Masdar, said:

For decades, the biggest barrier facing renewable energy has been intermittency – to be able to source uninterrupted clean power day and night.

In collaboration with EWEC and our partners, we will develop a renewable energy facility capable of providing clean energy round the clock.

For the first time ever, this will transform renewable energy into a world-leading 1 GW of reliable baseload energy every day on an unprecedented scale – a first step that could become a giant leap for the world.

Masdar announced China’s JA Solar and Jinko Solar, two of the world’s largest solar panel suppliers, and Chinese battery and BESS giant CATL as preferred suppliers. JA Solar and Jinko Solar will supply 2.6 GW of solar panels each. India’s Larsen & Toubro and POWERCHINA have been selected as preferred engineering, procurement, and construction contractors.

Masdar says the project will create 10,000 jobs and doesn’t yet indicate a projected completion date.

Read more: China installed a record capacity of solar and wind in 2024 – in numbers


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